Squeaky door seals, slow power windows and sticky rubber beading usually come from dry rubber and dirt in the channels. Cleaning the channel and applying a light coat of silicone spray fixes most of them. Micron 4500 M.A.M.A Silicon Spray lists power window tracks, sunroof channels, door hinges, rubber beading and seat rails. If the seals themselves are drying out and going brittle, Micron 1105 Silicon Rubber Care Agent is made to keep rubber seals from going brittle, freezing up or sticking.
Why it happens
- Dry rubber. Rubber seals and beading lose their surface slip as they age, so they drag and squeak against glass and paint.
- Dirt in channels. Dust and grit in window tracks and sunroof channels add friction.
- Aged, embrittled seals. Heat and sun dry rubber out until it hardens and sticks.
You will hear squeaks and rattles, see windows or sunroofs move slowly, or find rubber seals sticking to the door frame or drying out.
How to fix it
Choose by what you are treating:
- Window tracks, sunroof channels, hinges and seat rails: Micron 4500 M.A.M.A Silicon Spray. Its page lists these uses and describes a colourless, odourless, non-staining film that reduces friction and preserves rubber and plastic.
- Rubber seals going brittle, and you want conditioning and gloss: Micron 1105 Silicon Rubber Care Agent. Its page says rubber components such as door and bonnet seals are maintained and do not become brittle, freeze up or stick fast, and that it eliminates squeaks where different materials rub.
Directions from the 4500 page:
- Shake the can well.
- Clean the surface of dirt, grease or moisture.
- Hold the can upright 15–20 cm away and spray a light, even coat.
- Allow a few minutes for the film to settle.
- For electrical parts, make sure power is off before spraying.
- Wipe off excess with a soft cloth if needed.
For 1105, its page says to spray on clean surfaces from 20–30 cm and smooth out with a clean, soft cloth.
What to avoid
- Keep silicone sprays off paint-preparation areas and off brake parts. Silicone on a surface that is about to be painted causes defects, and any lubricant on brakes is dangerous.
- Do not overspray onto the windscreen; wipe off any that lands on glass you look through.
- Power off before spraying near window switches or motors.
- Do not use silicone spray to quieten a window motor that is failing.
When to ask an expert
See a mechanic if:
- the window motor or regulator is failing, which shows as a window that stops, judders or drops even with clean, lubricated channels;
- seals are torn or have come away from the door and need replacing;
- a rattle comes from inside the door panel.
FAQ
Should I use 4500 or 1105 on door seals?
For lubricating channels, tracks and hinges, 4500. For conditioning rubber seals that are drying out and sticking, 1105, which its page says keeps rubber from going brittle and sticking fast.
Will silicone spray stain the interior?
The 4500 page describes it as colourless, odourless and non-staining. Wipe off excess with a soft cloth.
How often should I treat window channels?
There is no fixed interval on the page. Reapply when squeaks or slow movement come back, and more often in dusty conditions.
Can I use it on the sunroof channel?
Yes. The 4500 page lists sunroof channels and power window tracks among its automotive uses.
See the product: Micron 4500 M.A.M.A Silicon Spray. Related: 1105 Silicon Rubber Care Agent. More vehicle maintenance fixes: vehicle hub.